The Swallows and the Sunsets

Jumai

I think of you when I see the canals.
They're dry and barren like this desert land filled with sand, so the canals aren't quite like the one you drowned in.

But I walk past the fence that holds the outside world back because they could share your fate.

I think of you nonetheless.

And I stand here wondering if you did it on purpose like that one girl said you did. If there even was a shoe that fell in. I wonder if you knew your fate before your feet disconnected from the concrete.

I think of you when I see the canals and keep walking.

One, because there isn't any water.

And two, because even though I barely knew you, I know you would want me to take a step back and breathe the breaths you couldn't.